Mwalimu-G
Elder Lister
...shoot, then ask alifnya niniy...
Kipchumba Murkomen, in what seemed like a sharp U-turn from his earlier shoot-to-kill directive, now says police must respect the sanctity of life.
Kipchumba Murkomen called on police officers to obey the law, noting that they will be held responsible for any excesses. Photo: Kipchumba Murkomen. Source: Facebook
The Interior Cabinet Secretary stated categorically that no clause in the Kenyan Constitution allows police officers to kill innocent civilians.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, July 15, the CS emphasised that all law enforcement officers are bound by the law and will be held accountable for any actions that violate it.
Murkomen disclosed that the government had already begun taking action against rogue officers, noting that one officer has been arrested and is currently facing murder charges in court.
He promised tougher oversight, announcing that a new policy directive on the use of force and firearms will be issued this Friday, under Article 245(4) of the Constitution.
However, he condemned the violence witnessed during the June 25 and Saba Saba protests, where health facilities, ambulances, private businesses, and government installations were attacked and looted.
He argued this was necessary due to repeated attacks on law enforcers and growing lawlessness, blaming the judiciary for releasing suspects who then reoffended.
Murkomen also claimed the directive was not a personal decision but had support from higher authorities in government.
His remarks sparked backlash from civil rights groups and human rights defenders, who warned that such orders could enable abuse and escalate already rising concerns about police brutality and extrajudicial killings.
- Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has disowned any law permitting police to kill civilians, promising tough action against officers who misuse force
- President William Ruto previously issued a controversial directive allowing police to shoot looters in the leg
- Rising concerns over police brutality have sparked alarm from civil society and rights groups, warning of potential misuse of state power
Kipchumba Murkomen, in what seemed like a sharp U-turn from his earlier shoot-to-kill directive, now says police must respect the sanctity of life.
Kipchumba Murkomen called on police officers to obey the law, noting that they will be held responsible for any excesses. Photo: Kipchumba Murkomen. Source: Facebook
The Interior Cabinet Secretary stated categorically that no clause in the Kenyan Constitution allows police officers to kill innocent civilians.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, July 15, the CS emphasised that all law enforcement officers are bound by the law and will be held accountable for any actions that violate it.
He reaffirmed that no one is above the law, least of all those entrusted with upholding it.
Murkomen disclosed that the government had already begun taking action against rogue officers, noting that one officer has been arrested and is currently facing murder charges in court.
He promised tougher oversight, announcing that a new policy directive on the use of force and firearms will be issued this Friday, under Article 245(4) of the Constitution.
In response to the national outcry over recent violent protests, Murkomen acknowledged the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, demonstrations, and picketing.
However, he condemned the violence witnessed during the June 25 and Saba Saba protests, where health facilities, ambulances, private businesses, and government installations were attacked and looted.
Despite his calls for peace, Murkomen has faced criticism over a previous directive allowing police to use lethal force during protests.
Did Murkomen direct police to shoot civilians?
Following the June 25 unrest, the CS authorised officers to shoot to kill anyone who approached or threatened police stations.He argued this was necessary due to repeated attacks on law enforcers and growing lawlessness, blaming the judiciary for releasing suspects who then reoffended.
Murkomen also claimed the directive was not a personal decision but had support from higher authorities in government.
His remarks sparked backlash from civil rights groups and human rights defenders, who warned that such orders could enable abuse and escalate already rising concerns about police brutality and extrajudicial killings.
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